WHO drastically cuts suspected Ebola cases in central Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has drastically revised down its figures for suspected Ebola cases in central Africa, reporting 116 cases instead of the previously stated 906. The organization confirmed 330 cases overall.

As of May 31, the WHO stated that 116 suspected cases were registered in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a sharp decrease from the figure reported late last week. The DRC has recorded 321 confirmed cases, resulting in 48 deaths. Neighboring Uganda has reported nine confirmed cases, including one fatality.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier explained that many suspected cases have been removed from the data. These cases were re-evaluated and found to be caused by other diseases with similar early symptoms or unrelated fevers. Lindmeier emphasized that anyone presenting with potential Ebola-like symptoms to surveillance or health facilities is initially counted as a suspected case until further testing clarifies the diagnosis.

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anybody who gets picked up by surveillance or presents themselves in a health facility with any symptoms that could be Ebola-like is counted as a suspected case in the outbreak, pending te